While some Public Storage properties may look more brown than green these days, thanks to ecofriendly mulch instead of grass, Public Storage facilities are actually becoming greener than ever before!

As the leading self-storage company in the U.S., we strive to set an example and be a green company. Founded in Southern California, Public Storage knows how important it is to save water in drought-ridden areas and elsewhere. That’s why we’re motivated to add ecofriendly landscapes, as well as a list of other greener features, at properties throughout the country.

“We’re trying to be as environmentally-conscious as possible,”; said Bernadette Reyes, Public Storage’s vice president of architecture.

From removing grass to adding permeable gravel and drought-tolerant plants, the company’s goal is to ultimately reduce its water use and maintenance needs by 25 percent.

If you love the environment like we do and want to know more about how Public Storage is getting greener, keep reading to see how we’re reducing water use at facilities across the country today and in the future!

Planting Native Landscapes at Public Storage Properties

Instead of laying water-chugging grass and importing non-native plants like palm trees to places like Michigan, we’re adding plants that are native to the areas where each facility resides.

“We’re choosing local and native vegetation that is low maintenance and doesn’t need a lot of water,”; said Reyes.

These plants include types of succulents, ice plants and reed grass – depending how humid or dry an area is.

Scientists consider these types of vegetation ecofriendly because they require little water beyond normal rainfall, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

We know Public Storage customers expect properties to look and feel similar when they move from one area to another, so it’s just like home. We want to make sure storage units, facilities and their landscapes look similar throughout the country.

That’s why, although the plants used at facilities in Washington and Texas are not going to be the same, landscapers are carefully choosing native plants that look great and are good for the environment no matter the location.

“We select plants that are predictable and consistent,”; said Reyes.

Less Irrigation Needed to Maintain Plants

As Public Storage continues to add more native plant landscapes to facilities nationwide, it needs less irrigation for grass and flowers.

“We’re minimizing irrigation systems as much as cities will allow,”; said Reyes. “This not only reduces water use, but also cost and maintenance needs at the properties.”;

In dry areas like the Southwest – where Public Storage has hundreds of properties and counting – the EPA estimates as much as 50 percent of the water used for irrigation is wasted because of evaporation and other factors. So by reducing the amount of irrigation needed for landscaping, the company hopes to save even more water at its facilities in the future.

Public Storage’s switch to ecofriendly landscapes is a continuing effort. About 50 facilities transitioned to ecofriendly landscaping last year, and the company hopes to convert or add the same amount – if not more – this year.

“We’re looking for holistically green solutions for everything at our properties – from plants to building materials,”; Reyes said.